U.S. patent application number 14/261969 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for paint brush adapter tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Next Future LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Next Future LLC. Invention is credited to Michael BEERMEUNDER, Ellen M. BROWN, James L. KENNEDY, Charles R. PATZER.
Application Number | 20140317863 14/261969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51787964 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140317863 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BEERMEUNDER; Michael ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
PAINT BRUSH ADAPTER TOOL
Abstract
Described in this application is a kit for adapting a paint
brush having a handle opening. The kit includes a tool for
improving the usefulness of the paint brush; a bushing receivable
within the handle opening of the paint brush; a screw for passing
through the tool and bushing and joining the tool to the paint
brush; and a locking nut for securing the screw to the paint
brush.
Inventors: |
BEERMEUNDER; Michael;
(Clinton, CT) ; BROWN; Ellen M.; (Columbus,
OH) ; KENNEDY; James L.; (Dublin, OH) ;
PATZER; Charles R.; (Columbus, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Next Future LLC |
Dublin |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Next Future LLC
Dublin
OH
|
Family ID: |
51787964 |
Appl. No.: |
14/261969 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61816074 |
Apr 25, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
29/525.02; 7/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0063 20130101;
B25F 1/00 20130101; A46B 15/0055 20130101; A46B 17/02 20130101;
A46B 2200/202 20130101; A46B 15/0081 20130101; Y10T 29/49948
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/105 ; 7/105;
29/525.02 |
International
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20060101
A46B015/00; B25F 1/00 20060101 B25F001/00 |
Claims
1. A kit for adapting a paint brush having a handle opening, the
kit comprising: a tool for improving the usefulness of the paint
brush; a bushing receivable within the handle opening of the paint
brush; a screw for passing through the tool and bushing and joining
the tool to the paint brush; and a locking nut for securing the
screw to the paint brush.
2. The kit for adapting a paint brush as described in claim 1
wherein the tool has a first end and a second end.
3. The kit for adapting a paint brush as described in claim 2
wherein the first end is a screwdriver.
4. The kit for adapting a paint brush as described in claim 3
wherein the second end is a paint can opener.
5. The kit for adapting a paint brush as described in claim 4
wherein the tool and bushing include retaining portions for
preventing the tool from slipping.
6. The kit for adapting a paint brush as described in claim 5
wherein the locking nut includes one or more barbs for engaging the
brush handle.
7. A paint brush comprising: a handle having a through hole; a
plurality of bristles; and a tool assembly comprising: a screw
having a length corresponding to a thickness of said through hole;
a tool; a bushing having a diameter corresponding to a diameter of
said through hole; and a locking nut for engaging the handle and
preventing rotation of the locking nut; wherein the screw engages
said locking nut and secures said tool and bushing to said
handle.
8. The paint brush of claim 7 wherein the tool includes a first end
and a second end.
9. The paint brush of claim 8 wherein the first end is a paint can
opener.
10. The paint brush of claim 9 wherein the second end is a
screwdriver.
11. The paint brush of claim 10 wherein the tool is rotatable
relative to the handle.
12. The paint brush of claim 11 wherein the tool and bushing
include interlocking structure for preventing inadvertent rotation
of the tool relative to the handle.
13. The paint brush of claim 12 wherein the tool is removably
attached to said handle.
14. A method of attaching a tool assembly to a paint brush, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a paint brush having a
handle with a through hole; providing a tool assembly comprising a
plurality of screws, at least one tool, a plurality of bushings,
and at least one locking nut; selecting a bushing having a diameter
approximately equal to a diameter of said through hole; selecting a
screw having a length approximately equal to a width of said
handle; inserting said bushing into said through hole; inserting
said screw through said tool and said bushing; and securing said
locking nut to said screw, thereby securing said tool to said
handle.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the tool includes a first end
and a second end.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first end is a
screwdriver.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the second end is a paint can
opener.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the tool is rotatable relative
to the handle.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the tool and bushing include
structure for locking said tool to prevent inadvertent rotation of
said tool.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the locking nut includes barbs
for engaging the handle of said brush.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/816,074 filed Apr. 25, 2013, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
adapting a paint brush to include a tool. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a method and apparatus for modifying
different types of paint brushes to include a tool.
[0003] In the painting industry it is often necessary for painters
who are using a brush to require additional tools, such as a
screwdriver to remove face plates or a paint can opener to open a
can of paint. If the painter is on a ladder, the painter must store
his brush, climb down the ladder, then locate the tools appropriate
for the job before returning.
[0004] There is therefore recognized a need in the art to improve a
paint brush by allowing for the attachment of one or more tools to
the paint brush to eliminate the need to carry extra tools.
[0005] Paint brushes are available in a variety of sizes and
dimensions from various manufacturers. Despite differences in size,
dimension and appearance of paint brushes, it is desirable to be
able to mount one or more removable tools to the handle of the
brush. Rather than provide differently sized tools for each and
every brush, it is desirable, to reduce costs and material, to
provide one removable tool assembly that may be adapted to multiple
brush handles.
[0006] Therefore, there is recognized a need in the art for a
removable tool that may be easily adapted to accommodate brushes
having various sizes and/or shapes.
SUMMARY
[0007] Described in this application is a kit for adapting a paint
brush having a handle opening. The kit includes a tool for
improving the usefulness of the paint brush; a bushing receivable
within the handle opening of the paint brush; a screw for passing
through the tool and bushing and joining the tool to the paint
brush; and a locking nut for securing the screw to the paint
brush.
[0008] The tool of the kit may include a first end and a second
end, the first end may be a screwdriver and the second end may be a
paint can opener.
[0009] The tool and bushing may also include retaining portions for
preventing slippage of the tool.
[0010] The locking nut may include one or more barbs for engaging
the handle of the brush.
[0011] Also disclosed in this application is a paint brush that
includes a handle having a through hole; a plurality of bristles;
and a tool assembly comprising. The tool assembly includes a screw
having a length corresponding to a thickness of said through hole;
a tool; a bushing having a diameter corresponding to a diameter of
said through hole; and a locking nut for engaging the handle and
preventing rotation of the locking nut; wherein the screw engages
said locking nut and secures said tool and bushing to said
handle.
[0012] The tool may include a first end and a second end; the first
end may be a paint can opener and the second end may be a screw
driver.
[0013] The tool may be rotatable relative to the handle, thereby
enabling use of one or the other of the can opener and screw
driver.
[0014] The tool and bushing may include interlocking structure for
preventing inadvertent rotation of the tool relative to the
handle.
[0015] The tool may be removably attached to the handle, allowing
the tool to be easily removed without damage or extensive
modification of the brush or handle.
[0016] Also disclosed is a method of attaching a tool assembly to a
paint brush. The method includes the steps of providing a paint
brush having a handle with a through hole; providing a tool
assembly comprising a plurality of screws, at least one tool, a
plurality of bushings, and at least one locking nut; selecting a
bushing having a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of said
through hole; selecting a screw having a length approximately equal
to a width of said handle; inserting said bushing into said through
hole; inserting said screw through said tool and said bushing; and
securing said locking nut to said screw, thereby securing said tool
to said handle.
[0017] The tool may include a first end and a second end; the first
end being a screwdriver and the second end being a paint can
opener. The tool may be rotatable relative to the handle and
include structure for engaging the bushing and preventing
inadvertent rotation of the tool during use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paint brush with the tool
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the paint brush with the
tool assembly;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the paint brush with the
tool assembly;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the paint brush with the tool
assembly;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the tool attachment for the brush
buddy;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side view of the bushing for attaching the tool
to the brush;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of the brush with bushing
attached;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the locking nut for
attaching the bushing to the brush;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing the tool attached to the
brush;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view showing the assembled brush
buddy;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing the tool in a first
operating orientation; and
[0029] FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing the tool in a second
operating orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a paint brush 100 is provided. The
paint brush 100 includes a handle 102 and bristles 104 connected by
a ferrule 106. The handle 102 includes a through hole or opening
108 passing through the handle 102. A brush adapter tool 110 has
been provided in the through hole 108. The brush adapter tool 110
is provided to increase the utility of the paint brush 100.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the paint brush 100
and brush adapter tool 110. As illustrated, the brush adapter tool
110 includes a screw 112, tool 114, bushing 116 and locking nut
118. The brush adapter tool 110 is attached to the handle 102 of
the brush 100 by the screw 112 and lock nut 118. The tool 114 is
rotatable about the screw 112 to provide two alternative working
ends.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side plan exploded view of the paint brush 100
and brush adapter tool 110 illustrated in FIG. 2. The tool 114 and
bushing are illustrated in further detail in this figure.
[0033] According to the illustrated embodiment, the tool 114
includes a first end 122 and a second end 124 that may have
different tools. In this embodiment, the first end 122 of the tool
114 is a paint can opener that is useful for opening paint cans or
the like. The second end 124 of the tool is a screwdriver, such as
a flat-head screwdriver, that may be useful for removing face
plates or the like. In embodiments, the flat-head screwdriver has a
width greater than the dimension of a standard electrical outlet in
order to prevent a user from inadvertently inserting the
screwdriver into an outlet while removing or installing outlet face
plates. The tool 114 may also include an opening 115 for hanging
the tool on a hook for display or storage. Normally, the paint
brush 100 is stored on a hook by the through hole 108, but because
this adapter tool 110 replaces the through hole 108, another
opening 115 is provided. While these are two options for the tool
114, it will be appreciated that other tools may also be used.
Further, while the tool 114 is described as having two different
tools, it will be apparent that the tool may have multiple tools, a
single tool, or an adapter for receiving various tools as
replacement parts.
[0034] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the tool 114 may include
one or more locking protrusions 126 that extend away from the tool.
These locking protrusions 126 may be circular and correspond to one
or more dimples 128 in the arm 130 of the bushing 116. When the
tool 114 is rotated about the screw 112, one or the other locking
protrusions 126 will align with the dimple 128 and prevent the tool
114 from inadvertently turning. This improvement prevents the tool
114 slipping or twisting unexpectedly.
[0035] FIG. 3 also illustrates the bushing 116 in further detail.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bushing 116 is sized to be
received within the paint brush through hole 108 and includes an
arm 130 extending along the brush handle 102. The arm 102 includes
the dimple 128 for receiving the locking protrusions 126 of the
tool 114. As further illustrated, the bushing 116 may include axial
protrusions for engaging the sides of the hole 108 to prevent
accidental rotation of the bushing 116.
[0036] Finally, FIG. 3 illustrates the locking nut 118 of the brush
adapter tool 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking nut
118 includes barbs 120 that bite into the brush handle 102. These
barbs may be especially useful for a brush having a wooden handle.
However, it is contemplated that other types of locking nuts may
also be used, and will be appreciated by those having skill in the
art.
[0037] The brush adapter tool 110 is shown in a side plan view in
FIG. 4 assembled to the brush handle 102. In this view, it will be
apparent that the locking protrusion 126 of the tool 114 engages
the dimple 128 of the bushing 116 to thereby secure the first end
122 of the tool 114 in position. Further, when the screw 112 is
inserted into the lock nut 118, the barbs 120 of the lock nut 118
will engage the handle 102 and prevent rotation of the brush
adapter tool 110.
[0038] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
screw 112, tool 114 and bushing 116 are formed of a durable plastic
material that is inexpensive and easily assembled. The locking nut
118 may be an off-the-shelf metal part, or may be assembled of the
same plastic of the screw 112. However, it is further contemplated
that the various components of the brush adapter tool 110 may be
formed of different materials, including metal, carbon fiber, or
other material suitable for the purpose. For example, the tool 114
may be replaced with a stamped metal piece, adding rigidity and
durability and the screw 112 and bushing 116 may be inexpensive
molded plastic.
[0039] Another aspect of the invention is a kit for adapting a
brush to include a multi-purpose tool. The kit includes a screw
112, tool 114, bushing 116 and locking nut 118. The bushing is
designed to be inserted into a through hole 108 of a paint brush
handle 102. The tool 114 is placed on the bushing 116 and the
pieces secured to the brush handle 102 by means of the screw 112
and locking nut 118. The tool 114 may be provided with a first end
122 and a second end 124 so that either tool may be alternatively
selected. A locking protrusion 126 may be provided to hold the tool
114 in place and prevent accidental rotation of the tool when one
of the first 122 or second 124 ends is selected.
[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, the kit may
include one or more bushings 116 of varying diameters that are
designed to engage different sized through holes 108 of brush
handles 102. The kit may also include one or more screws 112 of
varying lengths that are designed to engage different widths of the
brush handle 102. It is anticipated that the bushings 116 and
screws 112 are selected to be interchangeable without noticeably
altering the primary function of the claimed invention.
[0041] Also disclosed in this application is a method of adapting a
paint brush 100 to include multiple tools. According to this
method, a brush adapter tool 110 is provided that includes a
plurality of screws 112, a tool 114, a plurality of bushings 116
and a locking nut 118. The paint brush 100 is provided with a brush
handle 102 that includes a through hole 108 passing through the
width.
[0042] A bushing 116 is selected that corresponds to the
approximate diameter of the through hole 108. The bushing 116 is
inserted into the through hole 108 and positioned so that an arm
130 of the bushing extends along the handle 102.
[0043] Next, a screw 112 is selected having a length approximately
equal to the width of the brush handle 102. The tool 114 is
positioned on the bushing 116 and the screw 112 is inserted through
the tool 114 and bushing 116.
[0044] Finally, a locking nut 118 is threaded onto the end of the
screw 112 from the opposite end of the brush handle 102. As the
locking nut 118 is secured onto the screw 112, the locking nut will
engage the brush handle 102, thereby securing the locking nut to
the handle and preventing rotation of the assembly 110.
[0045] In other embodiments, the screw 112 may have a length
greater than the width of the brush handle 102, and the excess
length of the screw 112 protruding from the locking nut 118 may be
clipped or trimmed.
[0046] In other embodiments, additional elements may be added to
the tool 114. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, the tool
114 includes serrations 119 along the edge and/or face of the blade
for scraping.
[0047] The bushing 116 may also include a wedge detail 121, as
shown in FIG. 6, that makes contact with the brush handle and
embeds into the wood. This detail is effective in keeping the
components from rotating during and after assembly.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a side plan view showing the bushing and lock nut
attached to the handle of a brush, the bushing and lock nut secured
thereto by the screw.
[0049] FIG. 8 is an elevated side view of the lock nut. The lock
nut includes protrusions for engaging and securing the nut to the
handle of the brush, preventing the screw from turning.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the brush buddy attached to a
brush. As shown in this figure, the tool is in an intermediate
position. In this intermediate position, the tool may be freely
rotated about the screw.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view showing the brush buddy
engaging the handle of the brush through an opening on one end of
the handle. The bushing enters one side of the opening and the lock
nut enters the opposite side. A screw secures tool to the bushing,
passes through the opening, and is secured to the lock nut.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows the brush buddy with the tool in a first
orientation. In this orientation, the first tool, such as the
illustrated screwdriver, can be used.
[0053] FIG. 12 shows the brush buddy with the tool in a second
orientation. In this orientation, the second tool, such as a paint
can opener, can be used.
[0054] The various arrangements and embodiments discussed above are
meant to be illustrative and not limiting of the disclosed
invention. Any limitations to the scope of the invention will
appear in the claims as allowed.
* * * * *